A restaurant which placed a model cow on its roof ahead of its up-coming opening has remove it after a man was snapped sitting on top of it. Pictures circulated on social media of the man, who appeared to be completely naked, astride the model.
However bosses at the Tomahawk Steakhouse said they removed the life-size decoration as soon as someone climbed on it. Co-founder Howard Eggleston told Teesside Live: "It was taken down the second that the man jumped on it. As soon as that happened we put it in a shed."
The restaurant is due to open on Friday. It has a prime location overlooking the sea at Saltburn on the North-East coast.
Ahead of the opening Tomahawk's signature cow was added to the roof. But apart from the incident with the man riding the model, it has also sparked much debate on social media with some calling it "tacky" while others said it was "brilliant".
Mr Eggleston, who has dubbed the incident "cow-gate", insisted no harm or offence was meant. He explained: "We put those cows around a lot of our venues, it's a signature thing. We were going to put them in the garden, and the garden is getting rebuilt and done at the minute, so the builders literally, as a bit of fun, stuck it on the roof just to keep it out of the way."
There has been some backlash from vegans and vegetarians. Posting on Facebook, Flinty Maguire said: “Yuck. Yuck. Yuck. Let's murder animals and pretend they're happy about it. And - that's a dairy cow - not a beef cow - which is a double mockery. Yes, I'm vegan. No, I don't care about trolls.”
Heather Loader added: “Sorry it’s crass and looks hugely out of place but I’m so happy the restaurant is opening.” Although, it has to be said, quite a lot of people rather liked the cow.
Beki Jones said: “I liked it on the roof! Would've looked good with a bit of astroturf under it.” Jane Karen Heseltine agreed: “Many loved it on the bus early in the morning; some were taking video and pictures.” Frederick Wren concluded: “Live and let live moo.”
Answering the offence the cow-gate has caused to some, co-founder Howard answered: "We have a great vegan and vegetarian menu. We go out of our way to make sure they can also come and enjoy their dinner with us with meat-eating friends. If the builder's putting a cow on the roof has upset everyone then I do apologise - there was never any intent to make anyone's day bad."
Tomahawk’s menu includes steaks and burgers as well as vegetarian and vegan options. The new opening will have 100 covers and 60 seats outside.
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